State Action Council told to "turun padang" frequently

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman has ordered the Sabah Action Council to “turun padang” more frequently to monitor development projects so that the recently announced 2013 State Budget meets its objectives.

He fully intends that the RM4.088 billion budget will enable the people to enjoy a transformation in their lives spearheaded by the Barisan Nasional (BN).

In order to ensure that all government programmes and projects are implemented properly and effectively, he has directed all levels of civil service to go down to the ground to inspect and make sure that all is on the right track, he said.

“I have ordered the State Secretary, permanent secretaries of all ministries, presidents of all municipal councils, district officers and particularly the assemblymen and members of parliament to closely monitor the projects and ensure they are done according to work specifications,” he added.

Musa was speaking at a press conference here yesterday after attending a meet-the-people session at the Sungai Kayu Polling District during which some 500 Umno members and supporters of Libaran BN were present.

The Chief Minister said the government is always meticulous in planning the state’s development to ensure that people in both urban and rural areas get to enjoy progress realistically and holistically.

“The government doesn’t randomly spend the people’s money. We have carefully studied how to develop the state and bring progress to the people and that is why the 2013 State Budget is the biggest so far,” he said.

Musa who is also the Minister of Finance said the state government has come up with the biggest budget in the history of Sabah showing that the BN government is fully capable of regulating the state finances by still maintaining a reserve that exceeds RM3 billion.

He said even though the government will spend RM4 billion, the state’s financial standing will remain firm because investors, both local and abroad, are attracted to Sabah because of its political stability.

Furthermore, the government will continue to lure investors by offering good infrastructure and Musa is confident the resulting investments will provide plenty of job opportunities to locals.

Musa, who is the BN chairman for Sabah, attributed the achievements of the development programmes to the strong unity of the people who continue to fully support BN.

He added that in terms of progress and development, Sabah was far ahead of states governed by the opposition in the peninsula.

“The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who truly cares for the people has done plenty for Sabah by giving us large allocations. With the funds and a sound state government, I believe we are on the right track to bring Sabah to greater progress by the year 2020,” said Musa.

In his speech, Musa urged the people to carefully discern when comparing the capabilities of BN and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.

He pointed out that BN had established an outstanding track record in bringing progress and development to the country and maintaining peace and harmony.

“Do not be fooled by the promises made by the opposition which are merely sweet words but without meaning,” he said.

Also present at the event were Libaran member of parliament, Datuk Juslie Ajirol, Gum-Gum assemblyman, Datuk Zakaria Edris, Sabah Wanita Umno chief, Datuk Armani Haji Mahiruddin, as well as Umno and community leaders. 

Source: New Sabah Times